I Am New Orleans, a community-led initiative supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, will host the FutureFest NOLA Youth Summit on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Dillard University. This free event, aimed at empowering the city’s youth, will bring together 500 young people between the ages of 14 and 24 for a day filled with action-oriented workshops, insightful panel discussions, and an expansive resource hall.
The event, taking place at Dillard’s Georges Auditorium, will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering participants a chance to engage with local leaders, artists and influencers who are making a significant impact in their communities. The summit is designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate and shape their futures in a rapidly changing world.
FutureFest NOLA will feature live performances by some of New Orleans’ most celebrated artists, including rapper Dee-1, spoken word artist Tarriona “Tank” Ball, DJ Raj Smoove, the Brass-A-Holics, and poet Sunni Patterson. The event will be emceed by local legend Wild Wayne, ensuring an energetic and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
In addition to the performances, the summit will include speeches from a diverse group of local leaders, such as DJ Johnson, owner of Baldwin & Co., renowned artists Jade Meyers and Brandan “Bmike” Odums, Cleveland Spears III, CEO of the Spears Group, and Latina lifestyle influencer Rocio Isabel. These speakers will share their experiences and insights, inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions and create positive change in their communities.
The Resource Hall will showcase a variety of community organizations, after-school programs, local colleges and universities, trade schools, and other resources aimed at helping attendees explore their future educational and career paths. The summit will also offer free food and transportation via Lyft to ensure that all youth can participate.
The event is divided into two sessions to accommodate different age groups. The first session, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is tailored for high school students in grades 8 through 12, while the second session, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., is designed for young adults aged 18 to 24.
For more information and to register for FutureFest NOLA, visit IAmNewOrleansVoices.com.
About I Am New Orleans: I Am New Orleans is a collaborative, community-driven effort focused on fostering conversations and actions to build a more equitable city for all children and families. Supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the initiative aims to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard and to create lasting change in New Orleans.
